Iowa Agriculture secretary considering Senate run

"I've been very flattered by some of the folks that have been encouraging me," Northey told the Des Moines Register. "I really do have to look at this and strongly consider it. ... We need some time to talk it over as a family and to talk it over politically."

Northey could be a strong candidate — his profile as a farmer could help in the rural state, and he has no voting record to pick through. But, like Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds (R), he said he wouldn't run if Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), a Tea Party favorite, decides to take a shot at the seat.

Democrats are salivating over King as the GOP nominee due to his long history of controversial statements, and many establishment Republicans are worried if he runs they'll lose their shot at the seat.